Teaching Context:
Community: Louisville, Colorado
Demographics:
[Link]
Major Employers: *same as scope and sequence
1.)
IBM Corp.
a. 2012 revenue: $104.5 billion
b. 2012 net income/(loss): $16.6 billion
c. Description: Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM provides integrated services that leverage information technology
and deep knowledge of business processes
2.) Ball Corp. (including Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.)
a. 2012 revenue: $8.7 billion (Ball Corp.); $876.8 million (Ball Aerospace)
b. 2012 net income/(loss): $403.5 million (Ball Corp.); $84.7 million (Ball Aerospace)
c. Description: Broomfield-based Ball Corp. specializes in the packaging of beverage, food and household
items. Its Boulder-based subsidiary, Ball Aerospace & Technologies, develops and manufactures
spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components and other technologies for strategic,
tactical and scientific applications.
3.) Level 3 Communications Inc.
a. 2012 revenue: $6.4 billion
b. 2012 net income/(loss): ($422 million)
c. Description: Level 3 Communications is a global provider of telecommunication services, delivering
data, voice, video and managed solutions leveraging a reliable, secure network.
4.) Oracle Corp.
a. 2012 revenue: $37.2 billion
b. 2012 net income/(loss): ) $10.9 billion
c. Description: Redwood Shores, Calif.-based Oracle provides integrated business software and hardware
systems.
5.) Covidien (Surgical Solutions Group, Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions business)
a. 2012 revenue: $11.9 billion (parent company)
b. 2012 net income/(loss): $1.9 billion (parent company)
c. Description: Ireland-based Covidien is a leading health care products company that creates a diverse
range of product lines in two segments: medical devices and medical supplies.
[Link]
Voting Trends: *same as scope and sequence
Back in August of 2014, Boulder Valley passed over a half-a-million dollar bond issue, which included: renovations
and maintenance to many schools, program renovations, additional Early Childhood and full-day Kindergarten
classroom spaces, the replacement of three school buildings, funds for technology, as well as playground and field
upgrades for health and physical development. The Boulder community is willing to invest in their future by funding
their kids education, which is not as commonly seen across other Colorado school districts. Like its community,
Boulder schools are transforming the ways weve traditionally portrayed education, and leading us into a new future.
[Link]
School: Monarch K-8
Demographics
[Link]
Mission Statement:
Monarch K-8 is a community of learners where we celebrate and honor the diverse talents, interests, and unique
potential in each of us. We engage in challenging and creative academic activities in a safe, respectful environment.
We value and encourage success for all.
[Link]
Teachers: how many? Size of English Department
92 staff members
One 7th and one 8th grade Language art teachers
Two 6th grade Language arts and Reading teachers
One LLI and 6th grade Language arts and Reading teacher
Students: how many? Involved in extra curricular, ratio?
Enrollment: 727-748
Student/Teacher Ratio: 17.4/1
Extra Curriculars (sports):
o 6-8th Track, Wrestling
o 8th Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Girls Soccer, Boys Football
Extra Curriculars (activities):
6th grade Garden Club
4th & 5th grade Math Olympiads
5th 8th grade Yearbook
4th & 5th grade Chess Club
6th 8th grade Jazz Band
5th 8th grade NO place for HATE
7th & 8th grade Outdoor Ed Club
4th 8th grade Geography Bee
1st 7th grade Junior Great Books
6th & 7th grade Game Club
ALL Students Spelling Bee
8th grade 360 Monarch Leaders
ALL Students Talent Show
5th 8th grade Musical Production
6th 8th grade Show Choir Club
6-8th grade Middle Level Science Club
4th & 5th grade Computer Club
6-8th grade F.I.S.H. Club
8th grade National Junior Honor Society
5th 8th grade Newspaper Club
Tracking/Programs: ability grouping/ELLs
Focus on additional literacy and mathematics support
360 is a trained group of eighth-grade students who mentor and reach out to new students. They hold
activities for sixth graders throughout the year.
Advanced language arts option at sixth, seventh and eighth grade
Opportunity for accelerated learning (esp. in mathematics and world languages) elementary to middle level,
middle level to high school
Special Education program promotes inclusion in the regular classroom. We refrain from the use of the term
special education and instead use an acronym: STRIVE (Success, Teamwork, Responsibility, Integration,
Versatility, Excellence)
District Deaf and Hard of Hearing magnet program housed at Monarch K-8. We provide a quality education for
our DHOH students, and this program allows all students and staff the opportunity to learn sign language.
New Intensive Learning Center for students with special needs
ESL training for teachers
Meal assistance and financial scholarships for activities based on need
Talented and Gifted Program (with an on-site coordinator) driven by individual student needs
I Care character education program provides students, staff and parents with a philosophy and common
vocabulary for daily interaction
Course: 7th Grade English Language Arts
Description:
7th Grade English Language Arts course is developed around 21st century skills, school readiness, and
postsecondary and workforce readiness skills. Colorado's Description of 21st Century Skills are the
synthesis of the essential abilities students must apply in our rapidly changing world. Todays students
need a repertoire of knowledge and skills that are more diverse, complex, and integrated than any
previous generation. Drama and theatre arts are inherently demonstrated in each of Colorados 21 st
century skills such as, Critical Thinking and Reasoning, Information, Collaboration, Self Direction, and
Invention. [Link]
Students, class size, gender, ethnic:
50 minute class periods MTRF; 40 minute class periods Wed.
Class size: 17-20 students
Gender: 48% Female, 51% Male
Ethnic:
o African-American 1.2%
o American Indian 0.2%
o Asian 9.9%
o Caucasian 74.1%
o Hispanic 8.2%
o Multi Racial 6.0%
o [Link]
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o Schedule:
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